Dear Friend ,
As the Chair of the Board's Public Safety Committee, I am committed to ensuring transparency and community engagement. As you may be aware, the Fairfax County Police Department, like countless localities across the country, is facing staffing shortages. The Board recognizes the urgency of addressing staffing challenges within FCPD, and has taken steps to increase both recruitment and retention—including the creation of a new retention officer within the department, launching a revamped recruitment website, and voting unanimously to undertake a comprehensive review of hiring practices across our entire public safety infrastructure in order to speed up hiring processes.
During Tuesday's Public Safety Committee Meeting, Chief Davis gave an update on his 100-day plan, which included a presentation on the county's crime statistics as well as an update on Public Safety staffing of the police, fire rescue, 911 call center, and the sheriff's office.
You may not have had the time to watch the entire 2-hour meeting, so I provided a condensed recap below:
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You'll also find the following in today's newsletter:
- Important reminders around Election Day (This Tues. Nov. 2nd)
- Additional Public Safety information
- Tips on how to keep your family safe while trick-or-treating
- Updates on past and upcoming community events
Please get in touch with my office if you have any questions:
Email: leedist@fairfaxcounty.gov or phone 703-971-6262.
-Rodney Lusk
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Public Safety Committee Update |
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Police Chief Davis and other Fairfax County Public Safety leadership gave several updates during Tuesday's committee meeting. I encourage you to view the full Powerpoints. |
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100 Day Plan Update Fairfax County Police Department Powerpoint:
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Election Day is on Tuesday, November 2nd! |
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Lee District voters will have the following on their ballots:
- Governor
- Lieutenant Governor
- Attorney General
- Member, House of Delegates
- School Bond Question
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 2nd. If you are in line by 7 p.m., you will be able to vote.
Preparing to Vote
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🎃Have a Safe Halloween!👻
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🎃 WHEN IS TRICK-OR-TREATING?
Some communities, cities, and counties designate a day other than Oct. 31 for trick-or-treating. Fairfax County Government does NOT set a different date. Halloween is Sunday, Oct. 31. Your homeowner’s association or apartment complex may set times for events, but neighborhood trick-or-treating is the evening of Oct. 31.
🎃 TRICK-OR-TREATING TIPS
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast that may impact your preparations.
- Plan and discuss your child’s route if you are not joining them.
- Children should only visit homes that have their porch lights on or active Halloween decorations.
- Remind children never to enter a stranger’s house.
- Make sure to cross at intersections or corners – not between parked cars.
- Always send your child out with a flashlight!
- Inspect your children’s candy before they eat it — especially for any food allergies.
- Make sure children know their phone number and address — and they should be able to provide this information in an emergency or if lost.
- Watch for any power cords or other decorations that might cause kids to trip and fall.
👻 TIPS FOR DRIVERS, PARENTS, NEIGHBORS, AND OLDER GHOSTS
- PLEASE: Don’t speed or drive above the speed limit on Halloween (or any time!). Drive below the posted speed limit in residential areas. This will give you time to brake if you see a child dart in front of you.
- Leave driveways and parking spaces slowly.
- Put your phone down and avoid distractions.
- When giving candy, consider treats WITHOUT nuts and other common food allergens. Some people use teal pumpkins to distribute allergy-free treats.
- If you decorate outside your house, please ensure power cords and other tripping risks are not present.
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Saturday's "Practice Police Interactions" event was a tremendous success! Thank you to all those who participated.
The police interaction sessions gave drivers who are differently-abled or live with a diagnosed developmental disability, their parents, and advocates the confidence to utilize their full independence and alleviate the unavoidable anxiety that has kept so many of them off the road. Over 50 people signed up to attend a session at Franconia Fire Station 5.
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Supervisor Lusk volunteered at the Penn Daw Fire Station for their annual coat drive. |
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Thank you to Deputy Chief Willie Bailey for coordinating another successful event! |
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Dropping off jackets to Students at Forestdale Elementary School. Pictured are Deputy Fire Chief Bailey, Supervisor Lusk, Principal Cunneen, a few students from the John Lewis Lancer basketball team, and their coach. |
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Last Week's Board Recap:
Did you miss last week's Board Meeting Recap? Here is last week's video.
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- Water Keeper Day of Action
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Join us on Monday, November 1st for a day of fun, food, give-a-ways, and music! Meet us at Creekside Village Community Center (7941 Janna Lee Avenue) to talk to organizations about how they can support you in making your community better!
- The first 50 RSVPs get a free dish from the Soul Rebel food truck! (Max 2 per family)
- Audubon Naturalist Society is partnering with the communities of Creekside Village and Colchester Towne, with support from United Community, to host the new Water Keepers of Little Hunting Creek program
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RSVPs are not required, but we’d love to know if you plan to swing by: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-of-action-tickets-199394342847
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Important Dates:
- Early Vote ends Saturday, October 30th
- Election Day Tuesday, November 2nd
- Veterans Day, November 11th
COVID-19:
Contact our Health Department COVID-19 Call Center during business hours Monday-Friday at 703-267-3511.
Text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19; text FFXCOVIDESP to 888777 for updates in Spanish.
For regular updates, continue to follow the following trusted sources:
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Rodney L. Lusk
Lee District Supervisor
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